The completion of five major building projects on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach signifies the return of the beachfront campus since damage sustained from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. “We are delighted to announce that we have fully returned to the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina,” said Dr. Frances Lucas, Southern Miss Gulf Coast vice president and campus executive officer. “We worked hard to restore the original beauty of this campus, and update the classrooms for more stimulating student engagement. Our Gulf Park campus is an inviting intellectual hub for the Mississippi Gulf Coast and we welcome all coastal neighbors to come visit with us.” [Learn More]

TLC Hosts Sports Clinic for People with Disabilities

People of all ages took part in The University of Southern Mississippi Technology Learning Center’s (TLC) 2013 Gulf Coast Tennis and Softball Clinic this summer on the university’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. [Learn More]

GCRL Research Vessel Miss Peetsy B to Run on Waste Oil

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory vessel Miss Peetsy B, recently converted to allow the use of waste vegetable oil as fuel, made its maiden voyage under the new engine system on Wednesday, July 17 in Ocean Springs, Miss. [Learn More]

IDV Doctoral Students Travel to Europe for Study Abroad

There is no better way to learn about international development than to travel to Europe for a firsthand lesson. Students and faculty in the International Development Doctoral Program (IDV) at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus recently returned from a two-week study abroad trip in Brussels, Belgium, and Munich, Germany. [Learn More]

New Financial Assistance Program Supports Teacher Ed MajorsStudents who want to attend The University of Southern Mississippi and study to become a teacher can get help meeting that goal through a new program established by the State Legislature. The Teacher Education Scholars Loan/Scholarship (TES) program was created during the 2013 legislative session to encourage high-achieving high school graduates to pursue a career in teaching. [Learn More]

Coast Library Exhibits 'Wooden Treasures' through Sept. 30
The Gulf Coast Library at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach will exhibit the work of local wood turner, Breck Whitworth, throughout August and September. [Learn More]

Employee Spotlight

As the access services librarian, Jorge Brown says he enjoys the opportunity to assist students, faculty and staff find the necessary information for their studies.

“I look forward to each new question,” added Jorge. “A large part of my own research is discovering new ways to increase users’ access to information.”

Growing up in the Midwest, Jorge says he dreamt of one day moving to the coast. “Prior to my graduation from Library School, a close friend took a position at a church in Gulfport, so I became familiar with the area. After graduation, a position opened at the Gulf Coast Student Service Center Library and I was fortunate to be chosen.”

Jorge, who has been working at Southern Miss Gulf Coast for five years, enjoys cooking, fencing and giving back to the community. When he’s not at the Gulf Coast Library, Jorge serves as president of the congregation at his church. He also serves as financial director on the leader board of the local chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, which supports fundraising and service projects through local chapters throughout the country.

With cooking, Jorge says he likes trying new recipes from different cultures. He believes food is an essential part of a culture, so cooking is an enjoyable way to learn about them. Jorge is also a classically trained saber fencer. “I have been fencing for thirteen years. I competed in several national tournaments in graduate school and I hope to one day coach fencing.”

Faculty Accomplishments

Dr. Casey Maugh Publishes Book Chapter

Dr. Casey Maugh, assistant professor of communication studies at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast, recently had her book chapter “Blogging for Peace: Realistic job preview strategies from the 21st century Peace Corps volunteer” published in Volunteering and Communication: Studies from Multiple Contexts. [Learn More]

Dr. Shahdad Naghshpour Authors Book on Fundamentals of Finance

Dr. Shahdad Naghshpour, professor of International Development at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus, authored the recently published book, “The Fundamentals of Money and Financial Systems.” [Learn More]

SAVE THE DATE!

• Registration: August 13-14

• Classes Begin: August 21

• Elizabeth Hall Ribbon Cutting and
Fall Convocation: August 28

• Welcome Week: August 26-30

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If you'd like to offer story or photo ideas
for In The Shade, give us a call at 228.865.4573 or e-mail us at gulfcoastpr@usm.edu. Thanks!